Commonwealth praises Maldives for reintegration request

Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Patricia Scotland, on Wednesday stated that she was heartened by Maldives applying to seek readmission into the organization.

“… The decision to seek readmission as a member of the Commonwealth family is encouraging. We very much look forward to engaging with the government and people of Maldives as the application for membership is considered,” stated Scotland.

The Secretary-General also stated that she had hoped that the separation of Maldives from the Commonwealth would be temporary.

In order to regain membership, Maldives must prove its compliance with the Commonwealth Charter through an informal assessment undertaken by the Secretary-General.

Member states must also reach a consensus to invite Maldives to make a formal application, which presents evidence of a healthy democratic system and public support for reintegration into the Commonwealth.

Rejoining the Commonwealth is part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's goals set for achievement within the first 100 days of his administration.

Maldives initially joined the Commonwealth on July 9, 1982, leaving on October 13, 2016, during the tenure of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, after 34 years as a member of the intergovernmental organization.

Yameen dissolved the membership claiming that the organization was meddling with the domestic affairs of the country and that there was discrimination between other member states.